A recommendation in Wednesday's meeting asked councillors to approve $30,000 for an external consultation on the Narromine Shire Council to ensure the Shire is not amalgamated with Dubbo.

Mayor of Narromine Shire, Bill McAnally said this was the council's only chance to avoid amalgamation.

"We only have one shot at this and we certainly need that expertise to put the polish on our application, it's very important," he said.

"Talking to other councils that are doing Fit for the Future they've all said we need professional help to get us over the line."

Cr Dawn Collins expressed her concern about the use of the ratepayer's money.

"I have a problem with this recommendation. Because back in April the recommendation council moved was that the general manager prepare the necessary documentation for the Fit for the Future for June. That still hasn't been provided," she said.

"I have a real problem with this, I think the general manager's role is to implement the wishes of council, which hasn't been done."

Cr Collins said the staff at council should be competent enough to do the consultation internally.

"The general manager says we have the staff that are capable of it, we have known about it for ages, it hasn't just crept up on us last week or anything, so why are we spending $30,000 on it?" she asked.

Cr McAnally said the April recommendation was implemented, but the council needs an external consultation.

"It's a lot bigger than first anticipated, there's been changes all along," he said.

"If we had gone straight (to the consultants) it would have cost a hell of a lot more than $30,000. We're in the position we are now, this is how much it's going to cost."

General manager, Greg Lamont, said Cr Collins was incorrect and work had begun on the Fit for the Future report.

"Talking to our colleagues, we've only got one shot, give it your best shot," he said.

"The CFO (chief financial officer) and myself, we've had a good crack at this, we've also been waiting for the special rate variation which has a bearing but that hasn't been released yet by IPART."

Cr McAnally said the only alternative to becoming Fit for the Future is to amalgamate with Dubbo.

"Dubbo certainly doesn't want us. I sincerely hope that every councillor in the room is standing behind us to stand alone," he said.

"We only get one shot at this. We're in a position where we won't be able to defend ourself against amalgamation. Everyone in the community and everyone sitting in front of me doesn't want (amalgamation) to happen."

Cr Sue McCutcheon said she believed the $30,000 would be well spent.

"I just think this is a very complex issues, so many shades of grey and it changes all the time. We can't risk not having a consultant. It has got to be polished, we can't afford to amalgamate with Dubbo," she said.

Cr George Mack agreed.

"The way I see it, it's a good exchange for that $30,000," he said.

The council passed the resolution "that council approve the expenditure from unspent operating funds for this purpose to the value of $30,000".

Cr Collins voted against the resolution.